The Cooler Metallic

Silver’s subtlety outshines gold.

If you’ve visited a new restaurant recently, you’ve likely noticed that the trendiest lighting fixtures are bare, Edison-esque bulbs. Unfrosted to make the glowing filament visible, they’re now bathing diners in amber incandescence at restaurants like the E.U. on East 4th Street and Blue Ribbon Downing Street Bar in the West Village. To bring the retro appeal of an unshaded bulb into your home, consider the silver-dipped variety ($5.95 to $11 at Just Bulbs, 5 E. 16th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-228-7820). Not only does the capped tip protect your eye from the retina-burning glare of the filament, but the mirrored dome reflects the room in a fantastic fish-eye effect—and silver is the accent tone of the moment.